*Obi-Wan Kenobi voice* - Hello there!
The first scene here should have probably been in the previous chapter but it was super long and the previous chapter was also already really long so please enjoy it now :)
Chapter 99: Army of Two
Continued …
Balcony just off the Hand's Study, Tower of the Hand, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Tyrell, Lannister, Arryn), Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms
Kenna savoured the warmth of Tywin's body behind her and the protective hand that rested around her stomach but she knew they couldn't stay in this position for much longer. The candle was flickering and the cold air was settling all around them.
"If you were in Daenerys's position how would you use her dragons against us?" Kenna asked, shifting her face towards Tywin's neck.
"Come inside and I'll tell you," he said just above her head.
Kenna cast her eyes down on the city; it was beautiful at night in its own way. King's Landing would never rival the memory of the Eyrie in Kenna's heart but she had grown a custom to its hum and grind over the years. After the Eyrie's destruction, it was the settlement she was most familiar with.
Kenna gave a little shake of her head at that realization before bracing her hands on the balcony's edge, "Help me down?"
Tywin responded by lifting her completely off the stone railing and guiding her back down to her feet so that they faced each other.
"Thank you, my Lord," Kenna said, collecting the flickering candle and brushing past him to go back inside.
Instead of returning to the study desk that dominated the room, she gravitated towards the long table in the other chamber that had temporarily been used to host the Small Council meetings when Tywin had been in the capital. She placed the candle down at the head of the table and let her hands run over the top of the chair.
"Tyrion said you had a plan to deal with the Dragon Queen when she comes," Tywin said standing in the doorway.
"I do but first tell me how you would use Daenerys's dragons."
Tywin stepped into the room and came to a stop behind the chair directly across from where Kenna was standing.
"I'd blast apart the weakest gate, probably the Old Gate, in one swoop and let my army overrun the walls to disable the ballistas. Once the threat of the ballistas to the dragons are extinguished they can fly the sky burning any groups of soldiers that haven't already routed and if my enemies hole up in the Red Keep, I would just burn it to the ground."
Kenna gave him an amused smile, "You've thought about this before."
"Of course. The best way to predict an enemy's movements is to put yourself in their position."
"Exactly," Kenna said, gesturing excitedly with one hand, "now what would you do if the Gates of King's Landing were open and tens of thousands, maybe even a hundred thousand, refugees and civilians were flooding towards you."
Tywin gave Kenna an intrigued look, "I'd make a wall of fire around my army and wait for the mob to pass by."
"Yes, you would but I don't think Daenerys would."
Tywin green eyes started to glimmer with interest, "What are you thinking?"
"That we encourage the refugees and civilians that don't want to stay in King's Landing during a battle to leave once Daenerys's host arrives. But slot in the bulk of our army at the front of the advancing mob wearing light amour concealed under cloaks. Our soldiers can carry orphans if it would make it more convincing. We could dress some soldiers in expensive-looking armour, put hoods over their heads and parade them at the front to pretend the people of King's Landing have revolted and are presenting their new Queen with a gift of their old leaders."
Tywin took a few moments to consider her words, leaning on the chair.
Kenna watched Tywin's face closely before shaking her head slightly to dispel the nervous energy building up in her muscles.
When did his opinion begin to matter so much to me? Kenna questioned herself.
"It's high risk. You are counting on the fact no one will notice an army marching amongst a hoard of peasants in plain sight or that Daenerys's curiosity of who is under the hoods holds her back from suspecting the truth and attacking."
"I know but I don't think Daenerys, the Starks or the Martells would see it coming. Daenerys all her life has been fighting to get back to the Iron Throne. When she sees what she thinks is the people of King's Landing surrendering to her, turning away from our tyranny and welcoming her to her birthright, she won't question it. She'll revel in it. Robb or Oberyn will suspect something is amiss but they won't know what and won't have the time to figure it out or the ability to stop us. The only thing that would matter would be Daenerys not unleashing her dragons until the mob reaches her army. Once our men engage it would be too late to act unless she could stomach burning her own men and significant amounts of innocents."
Tywin walked from one end of the table to the other, "Our men would attack, causing Daenerys's to retaliate. The peasants would be forced to flee or fight for their lives which would at the very least swell our numbers and provide fodder to distract Daenerys's forces from our soldiers."
"Yes, and those that would survive would carry the tale of Queen Daenerys's attack with them to the four corners of the Realm, ensuring that even if she wins, her future reign will not be smooth," Kenna said letting her hand rest above the candle's flame. She knew she was going to the Seven Hells for just thinking up such a plan that put so many innocent lives in danger.
"So? Is it a viable plan?" Kenna asked after a few seconds, focusing on the feeling of the flame's touch on her palm.
Tywin snatched her hand away from the candle, "The deception element is unorthodox but potentially war ending. However, it could be made more effective."
"What would you do differently?" Kenna said, ignoring his grip on her wrist for now.
"I wouldn't place all of our armies in with the rabble. Maybe ten thousand Reachmen lead by Randal Tarly with a cavalry of four thousand split in two, hidden in the forests on either side of the Gold Road so they can flank Daenerys's forces from behind once they are already preoccupied with the frontal attack. Like with the initial attack, if the calvary is quick enough they can breach the defensive line of the enemy with a charge and completely mix in with Daenerys's forces rendering her dragons useless unless she wants to burn her own men."
"That would leave one thousand men loyal to House Tyrell, Lannister and Arryn to man the walls of King's Landing and all the ballistas around the city," Kenna calculated.
"With those numbers, we could still have our defensive advantage of the walls and the ballistas to counter the dragons and any remaining soldiers fighting for Queen Daenerys.
Kenna nodded while tugging her hand away from Tywin who let her do so, "Will Lord Loras agree to commit so many of his men in such an unorthodox strategy?"
"His men make up most of our forces so he will be risking them in one way or another and he would agree in a heartbeat. Loras Tyrell chases glory like a drunkard does a barrel of ale."
Kenna smiled at the imagery and leant back on the table, running through the plan in her mind as Tywin stood rock still in front of her undoubtedly doing the same.
Tywin exhaled deeply and settled his eyes on her, "Even if the frontal assault and calvary manoeuvres successful wipe out Daenerys's soldiers that still leaves two dragons in the sky raining fire down upon any of our men that survive."
"Yes, the men that aren't within the walls of King's Landing can be considered lost the moment they leave but if they destroy their counterparts it ruins Daenerys's bid for the Iron Throne completely. You can't rule or take a city with dragons alone," Kenna said with confidence.
"Only burn it to the ground," Tywin said dampening Kenna's conviction but not extinguishing it entirely.
"If she won't burn innocent civilians, she won't burn the city down either. And even if she tries, we still have the ballistas."
"Which are untested," Tywin said, with a hint of frustration leaking out.
Kenna rested a hand on his arm and they locked eyes, "She wants the peoples' love. She wants to appear better than we are. She won't burn the very people she came to save."
"What if she isn't better? What if she is Aerys reborn with dragons?"
"Then she will fall to her own allies. Robb is not another Rhaella, he will fight back against madness and Oberyn knows all too well how the whims of Targaryens can cause chaos, as much as he will never forget how Elia died, he will also never forgive how Rhaegar treated her. Whatever action Daenerys takes in the coming battle it will doom her regardless."
"If the Tyrells and Tommen agree to our plan-"
"Our?" Kenna said in mock surprise.
"Our plan," Tywin reiterated not wasting time to appease Kenna before continuing, "I would agree but I'd rather have the outcome that doesn't end with us, our families and our children dead."
Kenna let her grip on his arm drop, "Are you ever going to see Yohn and Jorge?"
Tywin seemed to shudder at the unanticipated change in direction of the conversation and Kenna took note of the uncharacteristic reaction.
"I will once this war is at an end."
"You and I might not be alive once this war finishes and they deserve to meet their true father at least once," Kenna countered, observing how his fists clenched and his face hardened. There was something more to this than simply a leader focusing on the war effort.
"What is wrong?" Kenna lightly asked, seeing the agitation building in Tywin by the second.
He stepped away to look aimlessly around the room; his hands still balled up at his sides.
Kenna raised an eyebrow, "Tywin?"
The use of his name without a title attached to it jolted him but he kept his back to her, "I saw Jaime and Cersei reanimated as wights. They … it was horrific. They were charging at me but I couldn't kill them. I knew there was nothing left of my children in them, but I couldn't do it. I just stood there … watching my golden twins come to kill me."
Kenna carefully closed the distance between them not knowing what to truly expect next. She had never heard Tywin so emotional, had never thought his mask would drop to show the fallible father behind the mighty lord.
"Yohn and Jorge are not Cersei and Jaime," she murmured at his back, "they are your sons and you should not let the ghosts of their brother and sister accompany them in your mind."
Tywin didn't acknowledge Kenna's words and after a near minute of silence, Kenna moved towards the door, intent on exiting the Hand's chambers as she had entered them.
"Stay."
The word rang out clear and concise but was full of unspoken need. Kenna turned back from the doorway to see Tywin still in the same position, facing away from her. She inhaled deeply. She knew what he was feeling; she had felt it many times before. It didn't matter who you were grief and loss always caught up to you regardless of how hard you tried to outrun it.
"I will," she replied before moving past the threshold, into the study.
It was near ten minutes later that she felt the bed sink beside her and hands dragging her backwards against a warm body. No words escaped their lips as their breathing settled into a synchronized rhythm and they fell asleep beside each other.
Next morning …
Small Council meeting in the chambers of the Hand, Tower of the Hand, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Tyrell, Lannister, Arryn), Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms
"How much longer are we going to wait?" Randal Tarly asked the table.
Tywin eyed the commander; he was a stern-looking man with unkind eyes. From reputation, it was known he was quick to anger and slow to forgive. A formidable opponent in military matters but a loyal vassal to the Tyrells.
"Queen Kenna is an ally and I value her advice," Tommen replied, not letting the guff man's tone intimidate him.
"A woman has no business discussing military strategy or tactics," Randal shot back.
"She is a Queen," Tywin found himself stating loudly, capturing everyone's attention around the table, "and contributes men to our cause. She has a right to hear and participate in our meetings."
"I agree," Tyrion added quickly before Randal could build on his ill-informed comment.
"Perhaps we could begin and Queen Kenna could catch up?" Loras asked, eager to hash out a plan as soon as possible.
A nock at the door pierced through the air and a child messenger was permitted entrance.
"Go on then boy," Randal barked as the finely dressed page approached the table.
The brown-haired boy nervously put his hands behind him, "Queen Kenna sends her apologies. She will not be attending the meeting. King Artys woke up and she wished to be with him but said that she supports Lord Lannister's plan completely."
Tywin dismissed the page as all eyes swivelled towards him.
"You have a plan?" Tyrion said, "Care to share with the rest of us?"
"Of course," Tywin replied leaning forward.
A few hours later...
"How do you feel?" Kenna asked, gently stroking Artys's curly black hair.
"Everything hurts," he croaked from his prone position on the table.
Kenna nodded as Qyburn dabbed a damp cloth around the edges of the stitched cut that ran from the bottom of his chin, over his nose and underneath the thick white bandage that went across his forehead, covering his eyes.
"Is the pain bad?"
"The milk of the poppy is helping," Artys replied, stretching out his arms experimentally.
When Artys tried to rise Qyburn places a hand on his chest, "Please stay still. You are still weak."
Artys let out a shallow puff of frustration. He had never been one to stay still or enjoy the indoors.
"Can you at least take the bandage off? I'm tired of hearing and not seeing you both."
Kenna shared a look of concern with Qyburn - Does he know? - and he shook his head. She returned her attention to Artys and calmly began stroking his hair again.
"Artys, I have something I need to tell you and it won't be easy to accept but I promise it changes nothing and that Qyburn and I are right here."
"Go on," Artys said unsure of what to expect.
"When Robb betrayed us and attacked you at Casterly Rock, he cut your face badly-"
"I remember I was there. If you are going to tell me I am less pretty than I was before I couldn't give two shits and I intend on repaying Robb by cutting him in half."
"Artys …" Kenna trailed off before gathering her courage, "you lost an eye. It was damaged and Qyburn had to remove it."
He went still on the table and it sounded like he was barely breathing but his muscles were visibly tense.
"Artys?" Kenna nudged after a few moments of silence.
"Will I still be able to fight? Will I go blind?"
"You won't go blind," Qyburn quickly assured him, "but your vision will be altered and you will have to adjust to it."
"But I'll still be able to fight?" he asked in a hopeful voice.
"Aemond One-Eye grew into a proficient and dangerous swordsman despite the loss of his eyes so there is no reason you cannot emulate him," Qyburn recalled.
That piece of information seems to calm Artys and he relaxed into the table as Kenna moved her hand from his hair to his shoulder, "Soon Qyburn will remove the bandage and you will be up on your feet but only when Qyburn says you are ready. Is that understood?"
Artys let out a suffering noise but relented, "Yes."
She kissed the knuckles of his hand, "I will leave you in Qyburn's capable hands."
Qyburn gave her a little bow as she went from the room.
Kenna exited Qyburn's lab to come face to face with dazzling armour and white cloaks.
"Your Grace?" Kenna greeted as she took in Tommen's form amongst his Kingsguard.
The young King was loitering in the hall or had just arrived. Kenna couldn't tell which but he seemed flustered to run into her.
As if sensing where Kenna's thoughts were going Tommen stepped forward, "The Small Council received your message that Artys had awoken and I wanted to see how he is."
"That is very kind your majesty but he needs his rest now. Another time perhaps," she said politely.
"Of course," Tommen blushed but didn't move.
"I am walking back to my chambers. Would you do me the honour of escorting me?"
"It would be my pleasure," Tommen said enthusiastically holding out his arm.
Kenna took it and they gracefully walked down the corridor.
"How did the Small Council meeting go?"
"Grandfather presented an unusual plan. Lord Loras and Randal Tarly initially were resistant but they came around to my grandfather's arguments."
"Good."
"You already knew of his plan," Tommen said, "You helped him come up with it?"
He is getting better at the game or perhaps …
"Is that what Margaery thinks?" Kenna asked slyly.
"No. I came straight from the Small Council meeting. I haven't talked to her yet. I just don't believe you would support a battle plan you had no part in," Tommen replied confidently as they turned down another hallway.
Kenna leaned slightly towards Tommen as if revealing a secret, "You are correct but don't tell anyone. I don't think your grandfather would want it known that he discusses battle tactics with me."
Tommen slowed their walk as they approached a stairway, "Lord Tarly doesn't take a kind view on women commanding armies."
"And what do you think your Grace?" Kenna challenged.
"I think you are a person to be wary of in all matters or at least that is what Margaery says of you."
Kenna smirked, "Your wife is a smart woman."
"She is but you are family. Even if you are no long married to my Uncle you are still the mother of his children," Tommen said softly, "Myrcella and I like to relax in the gardens with Steffon and Myriah. Please if you have the time, we would be grateful if you could bring Yohn and Jorge to join us. I would love to get to know my cousins and I'm sure my son and niece would like to play with other children."
"My boys are a little bit older."
"The decision is yours but if the past years of war have taught me anything it is to cherish the moments you have with your family before they are gone."
"Truer words have not been spoken," Kenna replied before disengaging from the young King and walking up the stairs.
Author's Notes:
Is Kenna right in her thinking on Daenerys? We will see …
I went for a more emotional Tywin & Kenna scene than people will be used to but I think they have gotten to that stage now in their bond/relationship and they have combined, lost a lot of people they cared for.
Artys is back! I couldn't sideline him for long. He's too cool. Tommen is learning the game but he is still cute to the bone and oozes kindness.
Reviews:
Antares Graceford – I don't think the Artys scene in this chapter will have cooled your feelings on the matter :P
Supremus85 – Thanks you and yes very ironic.
NightlyRowenTree – You're welcome.
ArchPsion – Your best is awesome. Tommen is sixteen so he is beginning to be his own man despite Tywin and Margaery's influence over him. Let's hope his friendship with Artys goes better than Artys's friendship with Robb went.
I love predictions! Sorry I won't comment on them because I'm a no spoilers writer but I will say that you are in for some surprises :D
We are still in the regrouping phases and I'm using the calmer pace to reconnect some characters and highlight certain relationships and dynamics that have changed or resulted from the Long Night before that final confrontation begins. "The Two-Faced Wolf" – can I possibly use this? That is such a good term.
Ser Dorito of Aisle 13 – I don't think Jon would go so directly against Robb in such a manner but he isn't entirely comfortable with what Robb has done and that will show when we return to Team Targaryen restoration in future chapters.
Kawaibabies – Yes. Well mostly. I mean the recent ones (Obella, Dorea, Loreza) definitely and Obara and Sarrella were killed in combat by Lord Royce and Kenna. Tyene and Nymeria were hanged after they gave Kenna the antidote to save Artys from the poison so that is a little bit less defendable and Tywin killed Elia because she swore to kill Kenna in the future so is that really self defense? Moral dilemmas are tricky.
Guest (commented 19/03/2021) – From Robb perspective he doesn't want to end up like his father, he just wants to do what is best for the North, even if it mean leaving Sansa in a dangerous position.
Guest (commented 19/03/2021) – That slave story was an interesting element as it shows that freeing slaves isn't enough you have to provide a pathway for them to build another life or they just go back to what they know but that gets into economic theory and such which is probably sadly beyond Dany. But at least she had good intentions at this point even if the results were suboptimal.
Mister LaGuardia – Yes he does …. But he is about a head taller than Euron was. Artys is the size of Victorian Greyjoy so he is tall but hasn't filled out yet as he is only sixteen. Very true with the North but all armies at this point are overextended and depleted. Team Targaryen Restoration have headed into the Reach to resupply while Team Crown (Tyrells, Lannisters, Arryns) have repositioned in King's Landing so both have acces to supplies now.
Guest (commented 19/03/2021) – Thanks.
Rh – Me too but she does do some questionable stuff.
Tohka123 – Thanks, yes there are a few 'calm before the storm' chapters coming as I think the pace needs to slow to show the aftereffects of the Long Night and for some characters to interact with each other in more relaxed environments before shit hits the fan again.
NCVII (commented on Chapter 75) – I think only half of that made sense but thanks :) At the point you are at the Kenna and Robb relationship is changing so you are right about that. Very true and I hope the story shows those consequences pretty well in the end. Kenna is touchy feely with only very specific people ;) Twerp.
Guest (commented on Chapter 37,38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 2, 43, 44) – Kenna/Tywin is a thing in this story posting schedule is not the same as it was but I still do post every few days to a week when I'm releasing . Really 44? Cool. I'm not sure it is arrogance but pure stubborn belief that it is his duty to be King.
Great emperor23 (commented on Chapter 40) – For Brienne and Podrick's fate see Chapter 32. As for OCs I have Kenna, Alyssa, Artys, Jasper and later down the line I have Yohn, Jorge, Steffon, and Myriah so I think I have enough. If you have too many it is hard to keep track of them.
Ghf (commented on Chapter 95) – I have but I'm more of a Rome Total war person and I don't own CKII.
Next Up: Children's laughter fills the Red Keep, Robb and Jon discuss their combined future with the Dragon Queen, and Lord Royce is a captive audience for Oberyn's frustrations.
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